GCSU students debate the right time for holiday decor
Lucy Nunez Staff Writer
With Halloween recently passing, students have debated the right time to start decorating their apartments and dorms for the holiday season.
Stores have prepared for the holiday season early by putting out decorations as soon as the start of the fall season. Some students argue that this is the reason they are inspired to dive into the Christmas spirit Nov. 1.
“I was all about Halloween
in the month of October but as soon as it hit Nov. 1, I went to Walmart and TJMaxx with my roommates and browsed the Christmas sections,” said Caitlin McGarvey, a senior mass communications major.
“The holiday season brings me joy and seeing the decorations in store early makes the excitement so much bigger.”
The coziness of the holiday season is also brought to stores with music selec-
Autumn Dash 5K & food drive
Emma Tyler Asst. News Editor
Ragtag Running and Morning Grind partnered to fight hunger with the aid of their second annual Autumn Dash 5K in Oconee River Greenway on Saturday, Nov. 15. Because the Autumn Dash 5K garnered 650 food cans last year, their new goal was to reach 1,000 food cans which will all be donated to Cafe Central.
Cafe Central, located at Freedom Church, is a food pantry which serves guests every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. by welcoming, seating and taking orders for
tions. Students report walking into TJMaxx and Five Below and hearing Christmas music while shopping.
“My friends and I went to TJMaxx and Five Below yesterday and heard the songs Jingle Bells and Sleigh Ride,” said John Meadows, a junior marketing major. “Stores have caught on to the spirit early and are marketing to early holiday shoppers.”
The holiday season brings
GCSU season preview
Bryan Cade
Asst. Sports Editor
Georgia College & State University opened its women’s basketball season in Franklin Springs, Georgia, as the program battled hard against Young Harris College in the season opener on Friday, Nov. 14, and Emmanuel University on Saturday, Nov. 15.
The Bobcats’ women’s basketball team has yet to collect their first win, losing to Young Harris 61-49 and Emmanuel 62-49. The program underwent several changes during the offseason, losing nine seniors from the previous season: Chandler Davis, Evie DePetro, Alexis Figures,
Cierra Foster, Camryn James, Miracle Parker, Jada Warren, Ashyia Willis and Amelia Wylly. The team also lost one of its top scorers in Hannah Cail, who transferred to the University of North Georgia.
The most significant change is the change in coaching. With the departure of former head coach Ross Jolly, interim head coach Catrina Green has stepped up, receiving nothing but positive feedback from her athletes thus far.
“I am super excited,” said Bailey Vick, a senior on the women’s basketball team. “I really love the way that Coach Green has changed the culture for our team,
and given us a lot more positivity, switching up the whole atmosphere for the team. She’s given us a lot more feedback and allowed us to play at our own pace.”
“We had her as an assistant last year, so we’re very familiar,” said Natalia Bolden, a senior on the women’s basketball team. “Her transitioning to our head coach has been great. I love her system. She’s very passionate about things outside of basketball. She really cares about our experience and priorities like school and our mental health, rather than solely our performance.”
drinks and food based on a menu they provide. The guests are allowed to eat as much as they would like, including bread and dessert.
The cafe serves over 400 meals weekly and more than 1,000 meals each Thanksgiving.
“I honestly think it just gives an outlet to people that want to do something, but they don’t necessarily know how, or they don’t know how to get involved,” said Bridgette Smith, owner of Morning Grind.
“This is just an easy connection for them, and they can support a great cause as far as bring-
ing the goods and stuff while also running a 5K. I think it’s great we’re giving back to Milledgeville because it’s where we’re centralized at.”
In pursuit of consistency, the race was very similar to last year’s with the same running course and sponsors. They have one new sponsor who will be revealed on race day, which is not intended to be a huge surprise, rather another local effort that seeks to fight hunger. Runners in the event felt as though their contributions were truly making a difference for the community.
lights, cheer and community all around. Another argument made for diving right into Christmas is the joy of
seeing the decorations for a longer amount of time.
RENOVATIONS PLANS FOR CENTRAL STATE HOSPITAL
Amelia McEwen News Editor
Central State Hospital is being invested in today by a company hoping to transform three of the buildings into apartments, a conference room and a hotel, after previous threats of demolition.
The Central State Hospital is known around the world for being the US’s largest psychiatric hospital in the mid-1900s. Since its abandonment, the state has long debated what to do with its remaining buildings.
Its three historic buildings, the Walker, Jones and Green
buildings, were originally set to be demolished. Now, Ambryo Designs has planned to invest $40 million to revamp the structures and preserve the hospital’s influential history.
“The hospital makes GCSU unique from other schools,” said Simran Puri, a junior mass communication major. “It brings history to Milledgeville as it has been here for years.”
Central State Hospital’s history relates to its patient abuse and controversial lobotomy and electric shock therapy practices. The preservation of this hospital’s dark history would ulti-
mately uphold the progress of community-based mental health care and prevent future incidents of the same nature.
“The hospital is an ancient, historical building that offers a reflection of the past,” said Jackson Cruse, a junior nursing major. “It employed a large chunk of the population and it has a very storied legacy.”
Historians and residents disagree with the idea of Central State Hospital’s demolition because of their desire to prevent historical malpractices and to educate others on its history.
Courtesy of Bridgette Smith
Central State
Continued from page 1
According to a Georgia Public Broadcasting article, “The planned demolition has prompted outcry from historic preservationists and local citizens, who argue with the local authority charged with transforming the property and the state agency’s plan to demolish the buildings. Preservationists argue that the hospital’s historical significance is too valuable to be destroyed.”
Chairman McMullen of the Central State Hospital Local Redevelopment Authority de-
scribed Ambryo Designs’ plans for transformation with WGXA NEWS: The Green building will become a hotel and will be paired with a conference room and a ballroom for events, while the Jones and Walter buildings will be converted to apartment living.
“I would have to agree with the preservationists about the significance of Central State Hospital,” said Eliza Exner, a junior public health major. “Places like this are a safe haven and are important for the mental health of the state.” Ultimately, these
changes would benefit the city long-term through public service advancements in sectors such as education and healthcare, initiatives that many residents find to be of great importance.
“In renovating Central State Hospital, there would be economic advantages like job creation and improved public services in education and healthcare,” Exner said.
Revamping the institution would, in a way, cancel out the economic disparities that occurred after it closed. According to GCSU’s official website, the hospital served
nearly 12,000 patients across 200 buildings. After its closure, remaining employees lost their jobs and patients were displaced, causing a decline in the local tax base.
The reasoning behind these plans has always circled back to the importance of economic growth in Baldwin County. If these plans were to follow through, Milledgeville would most likely see an increase in employment opportunities, higher incomes and greater tax revenue.
According to The Moonlit Road, a website that shares stories from
The dangers of doomscrolling
James Cordero
Contributing Writer
A student takes a quick 10-minute break from studying, so they pull out their phone to scroll social media a second and suddenly they have lost two hours to TikTok, indulging in the infamous “doomscrolling.”
While doomscrolling may seem harmless, it can have negative effects on the brain like anxiety, sadness and reduced attention spans. Those with preexisting conditions, like anxiety or depression, are even more prone to these effects.
An article from the National Institute of Health reveals that prolonged use of social media can lead to increased social isolation, signs of depression and social comparison pressure.
The loss of attention span has also led to a loss in productivity among students. Due to the addictive nature
of social media, students tend to get distracted and do not focus on their schoolwork as often or as thoroughly.
“There is no such thing as multitasking, because our brains have not evolved to handle too many things at one time,” said Ashok Hegde, a professor of biomedical sciences at GCSU.
According to a Stanford Medicine article, the quick reward system and easy accessibility make it more common to get hooked on social media. The current society that students live in also makes people more susceptible to dopamine-mediated addiction because of social media’s design for maximized engagement.
Humans are programmed to stay connected; for thousands of years, it has kept people alive through the power of numbers, and social media capitalizes on that need for social
VOLUME 106 | NO. 9
Editorial Board
Mary Ciucevich..............
Editor in Chief
Rylee Holland..................
Managing Editor
Julia Jensen......................
Art Director
structure. With bright colors and constant alerts, the visual part of the brain finds staying away from social media hard.
“We have evolved to look for new things. Novelty interests us, so social media is addictive because anytime you get a notification, it is something new and you get a little dopamine release,” Professor Hegde said.
Reduced attention spans are one of the most prominent side effects of doomscrolling; quick access to new sources of dopamine spoils the brain and causes it to want fast forms of entertainment.
People with preexisting conditions are even more prone to the negative effects of doomscrolling and addiction. Students themselves reach for their phones whenever they are bored, have nothing to do, or have a menial job to complete.
“I think everyone does [reach for their phone] now-
Amelia McEwen............
News Editor
Emma Tyler.......................
Asst. News Editor
Benjamin Clark...............
Sports Editor
Bryan Cade.......................
Kate Walker...............
Sydney Williams.............
Isabella McComis..........
Asst. Sports Editor
Arts & Life Editor
Asst. Arts & Life Editor
Digital Media Editor
Reaghan Shehee............
Reagan Robinson..........
Haley Quimby..................
Mikkel Christensen.......
Digital Media Editor
PR Manager
Ad Sales Manager
Faculty Adviser
the American South, “Central State hospital’s downsizing was a significant economic blow to the community… numerous old asylums around the world suddenly became obsolete. So a worldwide movement began to rescue these asylum properties as everything from arts centers and offices to high-end condos.”
The state of Georgia instructed the CSHLRA to find economic development opportunities for the old hospital and rebranded the project to “Renaissance Park” for investment purposes.
adays, because it has so much content on it that you really can’t avoid it,” said Carter May, a freshman environmental science major. There are, however, strategies you can use to combat the negative effects of social media on the brain. A Harvard medical article proposed taking a break from social media to give your brain time to heal. The article also said that the break should be for about a month
The plans for renovation are still in the finalization process and the construction timelines are yet to be publicised. Residents of Milledgeville and Georgia stakeholders are watching this process closely. In the meantime, locals, students and visitors can learn about the significance of Central State Hospital and its dark history through a trolley tour with The Milledgeville Visitors Center. More information about the hospital and its events can be found through the Visit Milledgeville website.
to decrease the depression and anxiety that come from social media and constant scrolling. When prolonged exposure to social media is decreased, depressive symptoms decrease as well. Also, one may notice an increase in productivity, whether that is at school or with work-related tasks. Instead of reaching for the phone, people can indulge in other hobbies, such as walking in nature or painting.
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Student spotlight: Serena Semere
Jane Carr Staff Writer
When Serena Semere first stepped onto GCSU’s campus, she was just trying to find her place. As a first-generation college student, she remembers feeling overwhelmed by the number of opportunities available. It did not take long for her to discover her purpose: helping others and making a difference.
“I started by joining Delta Gamma, which quickly became a place where I found community and purpose,” Semere said. “Two members of Delta Gamma, Kaitley Congdon and Axel Hawkins, recognized my passion for helping others. Their encouragement to join SGA gave me the chance to advocate for someone else for the first time.”
That encouragement would eventually lead Semere to the highest student leadership position on campus: Student Government Association President. After serving two terms as Treasurer, Semere ran for President in her junior year, inspired by the work of her predecessors and determined to continue building on their momentum.
“I saw the incredible initiatives under Axel’s leadership and wanted to maintain that momentum while continuing to advocate for students and strengthen our campus community,” she said.
As SGA President, Semere serves as the voice for students,
bridging the gap between the student body and university administration. Her work focuses on listening, communicating and ensuring that every student’s concerns are heard.
“I prioritize staying aware of the issues happening across campus so I can truly understand what students need,”
Semere said. “We have a feedback survey available in GC
Connect that I monitor reg-
ing student engagement and representation across all demographics. Early in her SGA career, she helped support resolutions addressing campus needs, including the four-hour parking policy and the soonto-launch digital Bobcat Card.
More recently, she’s proud of helping create the first SGA position dedicated to representing graduate students, a move that strengthens commu-
tion with multicultural organizations to make events more inclusive and accessible.
“We partnered with the International Club for International Fest and regularly communicate with other multicultural organizations to explore ways we can better support them,” she said. “That might mean additional funding opportunities or initiatives that better reflect
ularly, and if any member of SGA becomes aware of an issue, they report it to me so we can address it as a team.”
Teamwork and communication extend beyond the SGA office. Semere meets regularly with university leadership to present student concerns and collaborate on solutions. Whether it’s parking, campus life or inclusion, she aims to turn student feedback into real results.
Her leadership has already made a tangible impact. One of the biggest initiatives under her tenure has been increas-
AUTUMN DASH
Continued from page 1
“By raising money for hunger relief and encouraging food drive donations, supporting this cause will help families in need,” said Amanda Feeney, a junior and exercise science major. “With the holidays coming up and the recent cuts to supplemental nutrition programs, donations are more important than ever.”
Bailey Miller formed Ragtag Running in 2022 as a weekly run club that he wanted to leverage for the betterment of the local community. They began running in Morning Grind’s parking lot and would run downtown before heading back and grabbing coffee.
nication between undergraduate and graduate communities.
“We’re actively planning a town hall and open forum to give students direct opportunities to share their thoughts and concerns with SGA and university leadership,” Semere said. “It’s important that every student feels like they have a seat at the table.”
Transparency and inclusion have become key pillars of her presidency. To ensure students stay informed, SGA now posts all of its archives on GC Connect. Semere also emphasizes collabora-
our diverse student body.”
Her passion for advocacy isn’t just something she learned through leadership; it’s deeply tied to her academic studies. As a double major in criminal justice and political science, Semere has developed a strong understanding of how policies are created and how leaders can use their positions to enact meaningful change.
“Studying criminal justice and political science has shaped my leadership style,” she said. “It’s encouraged me to think critically, consider diverse perspectives
Because of this strong relationship they fostered with Morning Grind, co-hosting this 5k was easy to conjure.
“We really wanted to make sure we cared for our local community, especially around the holiday season,” said Bailey Miller, owner of Ragtag Running. “We wanted to leverage a really fun activity or something more than just a social gathering and that’s what led to the start of the Autumn Dash.”
Ragtag Running partners with Black Bag Racing for their race timing, so people had the opportunity to come out and show off or simply walk.
The 5K is designed for everyone, and each year they
and approach challenges with fairness and empathy.”
Those lessons have also inspired her to plan for the future of SGA, not just her own term.
“I strive to leave SGA stronger when I graduate and to set up the next executive board for continued success,” Semere added.
As she nears the end of her presidency, Semere is focused on increasing SGA’s visibility and showing students the real impact of their government.
“My goal is for the campus community to see our impact firsthand,” she said.
“I want students to not only hear about our efforts but see us actively making changes and engaging across campus.”
After graduation, Semere plans to continue her commitment to service by pursuing a master’s degree, followed by law school. Her ultimate goal is to make legal representation more accessible for low-income communities.
“I’ve always found purpose in being a voice for those who cannot advocate for themselves,” Semere said. “That’s something I want to continue throughout my career.”
From her first days as an overwhelmed freshman to leading the student body, Semere’s journey has been defined by one thing: advocacy. And as she looks toward the future, her impact at GCSU will continue to shape the university long after she graduates.
plan to keep the same course for runners, so there isn’t any new change in case they expect a certain path.
This year, sponsors also brought items for the runners to enjoy before and after the race. Morning Grind provided drip coffee with cream and sugar on the side while Chick-fil-A provided chicken biscuits. In the future, the partnership hopes to expand the race and collect more donations for Cafe Central in their persistent fight against hunger.
The Autumn Dash 5K allowed the community to unite and combat the ever-growing hunger that faces Milledgeville.
Courtesy of Lauren Harper
PREVIEW
Continued from page 1
GCSU women’s basketball made it to the semifinals in the 20242025 season; however, the season ended at the hands of the seventh-ranked team, the University of North Georgia, 63-22 in March. The Bobcats concluded their season with a 1713 overall record and a 9-9 conference record.
“With the smaller team, I think it means just staying in shape for one, we’re only going to have five or six subs,” Bolden said. “We need to correct the errors, like fouls and turnovers.”
The Bobcats enter the season with a 13-player team, including four freshmen in Sloane Vick, Elizabeth Wynn, Kayla Sylvain and Caroline Beavin. The Bobcats also field three seniors
through Deshona Gaither, Bailey Vick, Bolden and Rose Bone. Green has also brought in graduate student Hayley Shepherd, who fans may know mostly as a player for the GCSU women’s
for me, especially since Sloane is one of my best friends. So, it’s exciting to be able to share the court with her and share a lot of time bonding with her.”
Among the current seniors, Gaither played
21 in her first two games, followed by Nylah Nuri with 16 in her first pair of games. Beavin has also been successful outside the three-point line three of seven times.
“I think we have a
having some young kids transfer. I’m excited to see them showcase what they can do and what we’ve helped them with in the development here in the preseason.”
Bone leads the Bob-
volleyball team; however, she plans to play forward for the Bobcats following the volleyball season.
“Now going into my senior year with my younger sister,” Vick said. “It’s really exciting
the most minutes in the previous season, averaging 5.9 points and 2.6 rebounds in 30 appearances. As of the first few contests this season, Beavin has led the Bobcats in points, putting up
young group that is hungry this year to compete,” said Catrina Green, head coach of the women’s basketball team. “A lot of them haven’t had the opportunities to see a lot of court time, and
cats in rebounds with 14, with Wynn following with 11. Gaither accumulated four steals in the game against Young Harris College.
“I’m excited to play all the games,” Green said.
“No matter who we’re playing, everybody in the Peach Belt brings a competitive atmosphere, a competitive team. I’m excited to play everybody; however, my favorite game will be our Education Day game, having all these kids come in and pack out the Centennial Center, it’s a lively atmosphere.”
The Bobcats women’s basketball game celebrates its home opener on Wednesday, Nov. 19, as they take on the Warriors of Southern Wesleyan University at 6 p.m. inside the Centennial Center.
“Come out and support us,” Green said. “We love having fans in the stands. I love being able to get out and connect with the fans, as they continue to pour into our athletes. Come and enjoy us, and support us throughout the year.”
GCSU MENS BASKETBALL SEASON PREVIEW
Bryan Cade
Asst Sports Editor
Georgia College & State University men’s basketball opened up its season with a blowout victory and a close loss to a top-15-ranked team in Young Harris, Georgia, with the season opener against Shorter University, Friday, Nov. 14, and its second game against 14th-ranked Lincoln Memorial University, Saturday, Nov. 15.
The Bobcats were one point away from the century mark, beating the Hawks of Shorter University 99-70 to open the season; however, they couldn’t come out with the sweep of the games in Young Harris as they fell three points short, 81-78, to the Railsplitters of Lincoln Memorial.
The Bobcats lost a pair of their top five scorers entering the season, including their 2024-2025 top scorer, Zyair Greene, to Indiana State Univer-
sity. However, with the Bobcats’ performance thus far this season, players have definitely stepped up to fill any gaps.
A different Green has led the Bobcats in points through the first two contests, with Khalil Green averaging 16 points, followed by C.J. Jones at 13, and Luke Krawczyk with 11.5. Oscar Lynch leads the Bobcats in rebounds, collecting 5.5 boards per game. Jones has worked well in the playmaking department for the Bobcats, leading the team with eight assists.
The Bobcats and coach Ryan Aquino brought in a pair of freshmen before the season, including guard Boston Kersh and guard Austin Mosby-Weems.
“They’re great guys,” said Mason Etter, a junior on the men’s basketball team. “They fit into the culture really well, so I don’t think we have to do much.
They are already
blending in with us, and they know what
cats also could not make a Peach Belt Confer-
it takes to have a winning culture here.”
The men’s basketball team had some struggles throughout the 20242025 season, finishing the season with a 9-19 record and a 4-14 conference record. The Bob-
ence playoff appearance due to their struggles in the regular season.
“I’m one of the younger guys,” Mosby-Weems said. “So I expect myself to come into practice every day and challenge the older guys. Things
can change throughout the season, but I want to do my job to challenge the older guys, like Khalil and Caleb, to ensure they’re getting better. So when it’s time for them to go into those games, they have already been working, been prepared and practiced.”
“When you recruit players, all these guys, they all want two things,” said Ryan Aquino, head coach of the men’s basketball team.
”They want to win and they want to play. And you try to get as many guys as possible who care more about winning than about themselves. They care more about the team’s result than the individual’s. That’s why I think they can do something special.”
The Bobcats finish a three-game road trip with a game in Central, South Carolina, as they battle the Warriors of South Wesleyan University on Wednes-
day, Nov. 19, at 6 p.m.
“I’m excited to play Young Harris twice this year,” Etter said.“We lost to him last year in our first game of the season, but we’ll get him twice this year, and we should be in mid-season form for both of them, so that’ll be a fun game.”
GCSU celebrates its first home contest the following week, as it faces the Thomas University Night Hawks on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 3:30 p.m. inside the Centennial Center.
“I think we’re going to catch their eyes, have some surprises,” Aquino said. “So that way, when we start having some home games, I think there might be a little bit of buzz coming at some point, which is gonna be fun, and I hope the fans come back out and support the way that they have when we’ve been successful.”
Courtesy of Chandler Davis, GCSU Athletic Department
Courtesy of Austin Zscach , GCSU Athletic Department
MLB Hall of Fame
Bryan Cade Asst Sports Editor OPINION In recent memory,
The Major League Baseball Hall of Fame announced Monday, Nov. 3, the eight new players on this year’s Era Committee ballot, stirring up many mixed opinions by fans of the sport.
The ballot is composed of a few players with drama-indulged careers, such as Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, as well as Carlos Delgado, Jeff Kent, Don Mattingly, Dale Murphy, Gary Sheffield and Fernando Valenzuela. Each player is based on their contributions to the sport of baseball since 1980.
The candidates need to receive at least 75% of the votes on ballots cast by the 16-member committee to become part of the 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame Class. The identities of the committee members are currently unknown, and this information will be made public later in the fall. The voting results are scheduled to be announced on MLB Network at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 7.
The eye-catching players on the ballot are Bonds and Clemens, who were significant figures in the steroid era of the sport’s history.
Beginning with Bonds, Major League Baseball’s home run king, having the records for both career home runs and single-season home runs, 762 and 73, respectively. He’s also the career leader in walks, with 2,558, bWAR, or Baseball-Reference WAR, with 162.8, and he holds the record for most Most Valuable Player Awards, with seven.
Bonds was not only the greatest power hitter in the history of the sport, but he was also a threat in the outfield, accumulating eight Gold Gloves, as well as 514 stolen bases. He had nine seasons with at least 30 steals, including a 40-home run/40-stolen-base season in 1996.
It’s easy to look at the numbers, even with just a glance and assume he’s a first ballot Hall of Famer; however, in the ten years he was on the ballot following his retirement in 2007, he only ever received a maximum of 66% of the vote, shy of the 75% threshold. Bonds used steroids, arguably the most infamous case of abusing performance-enhancing drugs in the history of sports.
Many believe that if a player uses substances to improve their performance, they should instantly be barred from the ability to be commemorated in any special way. However, because of the history that Bonds has contributed to the sport, especially with the records and stories that follow him everywhere, he needs to earn that 75% vote thresh-
old and enter the Hall of Fame as soon as possible. History, even sports history, is often forgotten, and while the records that Bonds holds may need an asterisk next to them, they should be remembered as the decades pass.
The same can be said about seven Cy Young award winners, including Roger “The Rocket” Clemens. The 11-time All-Star dominated through three decades, winning seven earned run average titles, collecting a triple crown in consecutive years (1997 and 1998) and having the third-most strikeouts in MLB history with 4,672.
Once again, Clemens is connected to performance-enhancing drugs. While I’d have the same explanation in terms of history that I’d want to see him in the Hall of Fame, even as a fan of the New York Yankees, I do believe his personality on the playing field needs to come into consideration. Clemens was seen on multiple occasions as not the best representation of Major League Baseball, often acting as an unpleasant teammate and opponent.
While there is only an opportunity for one or two players to be part of the 2026 Hall of Fame Class from this new ballot, there are cases for other players. Carlos Delgado slugged 473 home runs during his 17-year career, being the Toronto Blue Jays’ all-time leader in the category.
Jeff Kent is the best run-producing second baseman in the history of the sport, slugging 377 career home runs, a milestone for players who played at the position.
Don Mattingly, arguably one of the most iconic and yet forgotten about Yankees in the history of the organization, won an MVP Award during his 14-year career, batting .307; however, injuries stunted his job, forcing him into retirement in 1995, yet he has returned to coach with the Dodgers, Marlins, Angels and Blue Jays since then.
Dale Murphy, a familiar favorite among Braves fans, is the only player in the top-13 leaders of bWAR during the 1980s who is not in the Hall of Fame. Murphy’s 2,796 total bases during the 1980s are the most in that time span.
Gary Sheffield cracked 509 home runs and drove in 1,676 runs during his 22-year career, having eight 30-home run/100 runs batted in seasons. Sheffield helped the then-Florida Marlins win the World Series in just their fifth year of establishment, slugging an impressive 1.061 OPS. However, once again, with the era, some of his direct links to performance-enhancing drugs were exposed. Fernando Valenzuela, who would be inducted posthumously, is the only player to win a Cy Young and Rookie of the Year award in the same season, doing so at 19 years old. The left-hander completed 11 of the 25 starts he had that season, finishing eight shutouts.
A player’s relations with steroids do not matter to me; what does matter is the history that the players brought to the game. Only one, possibly two of these players will enter the Hall of Fame after their 10 years on their original ballot have expired.
Bryan Cade | Asst Sports Editor
Beyond the books: finding balance amid burnout
Kate Walker A&L Editor
As midterms pass and finals approach, many GCSU students are feeling the weight of papers, exams, readings and assignments piling up, leaving some in the ditches of academic burnout. For students, these encounters with burnout can be overwhelming and lead to irritability and depression.
“Burnout is a state of exhaustion, where you get caught up in the demands of various tasks and become depleted to the point where you no longer want to do them,” said Dr. Steve Wilson, director of Counseling Services at GCSU.
Wilson said that for students experiencing academic burnout, tasks may take longer than before and feel more challenging, accompanied by symptoms such as irritability, loss of interest, lack of motivation and exhaustion.
“Oftentimes when you’re constantly being challenged, the challenge is no longer as stimulat-
ing, and it doesn’t give you the sense of accomplishment that you’re looking for or the sense of pride that you once had,” explained Shea Pagett, a senior psychology major.
“And if you fail on one of the tasks, then it is a major blow to your ego.”
According to Wilson, academic burnout can stem from a variety of factors, including time management, unrealistic expectations or standards and a lack of balance between different areas of life. Spending too much time on academics, he said, can cause students to neglect other important aspects, such as sleep, self-care and community engagement.
“There needs to be a balance of health, social and physical activities, making time for rest, exercise and relationships,” Wilson said.
For students struggling with burnout, Wilson encouraged reevaluating their time and activities with a renewed mindset on what’s valuable to them now and for their future.
HOLIDAY DECOR
Continued from page 1
“As soon as it hits Nov. 1, my roommates and I decorate the apartment for Christmas,” said Odeya Atar, a junior biology major. “We still celebrate Thanksgiving but enjoy seeing our Christmas decorations up throughout November and into January as it makes the room feel cozier.”
Keeping the Christmas decorations up continues the holiday spirit spreading to visitors. Baking is also popular among students and keeps friends and family closeknit.
“One of my favorite parts of the holidays is baking peppermint Oreo truffles,” said Mallorie McCollough, a freshman psychology major. “I make them every year and they are a hit among family and friends.”
With the coziness of the holidays,
“Make space for other things, give attention to other needs and get involved with things that give you a purpose,” Wilson said. “Reframe something that’s tedious into a reminder of why it’s important.”
As part of a course project, Pagett partnered with Bobcats First to combat campus-wide stress through the creation of the Destress Express, a mental health cart that encourages stu-
Pagett agreed, emphasizing the importance of taking a step back to rest and reaffirm self-worth beyond academics.
“Take breaks and remember that you are not your grades,” Pagett said. “It’s okay to take breaks and everyone has it at their own pace, and you don’t always need to be at the front.”
students on the opposite side of the debate also have opinions on keeping fall aesthetics throughout November.
The fall season is known for coffee
dents to relax with fidget toys, coloring pages and other crafts to take their minds off academics for a little while.
“My initiative that I’ve been working with is something that helps with academic burnout and just taking breaks between those classes and understanding that sometimes you do need a break,” Pagett said.
For some students, being intentional in creating a calm environment to relax and reset is key to combatting academic burnout.
“I always make sure that my space when I go home is very clean and very peaceful,” said Molly Goff, a junior mass communications and library science major. “I always pray over my space, and when I’m not praying over my space, I listen to white noise or beach sounds.”
Wilson noted that there is a wide range of resources available to students on campus, including services at the Counseling Center and exercise programs at the Wellness and Recreation Center. There is also a Serenity Den in the Student Center for students to decompress and take time for self-care.
Beyond official university resources, Wilson also mentioned using the CORQ app to find student-led organizations for mental health, faith-based groups and other clubs that can
and breezy weather, students also report enjoying going on walks around campus and seeing the leaves changing color.
“I absolutely love walking on front
shops making special fall menus available. Students report enjoying time with friends at Blackbird Coffee downtown.
“I go to Blackbird once a week and get their pumpkin chai,” said Caroline Williams, a senior political science major. “I love everything pumpkin spice and savoring the cozy fall season.”
With the comfort of pumpkin spice
campus and downtown with my friends between classes and seeing the beautiful red and yellow leaves,” said Lauren Bledsoe, a junior nursing major. “It makes me take time to look around me and enjoy the fall weather while it lasts.”
With the comfort of cooling temperatures and leaves changing, family Thanksgiving traditions are an-
help students find purpose and connection.
As the university continues to commit to mental health advocacy, Goff said some adjustments to classroom procedures and policies could better support students experiencing burnout.
“I believe that we should have less strict attendance policies,” Goff said. “I also wish that we could extend office hours a little bit more and maybe even have some more virtual office hours to accommodate people’s busy schedules, as well as making sure the assignments that are being introduced are very formative to the lessons and not just busy work.”
The GCSU Counseling Center offers free, confidential counseling and psychiatric services, as well as peer support groups and other selfhelp resources through its website. To learn more, visit https://www. gcsu.edu/counseling. The Destress Express will also be available in the Den on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
other argument for keeping the coziness of fall throughout November.
“My family and I look forward to hosting a big Thanksgiving every year,” said Dorie McKown, a junior marketing major. “It is a nice tradition our family has that keeps the season of fall alive.”
Along with the classic Thanksgiving holiday brings a modified “Friendsgiving.” Students arrange potlucks with friends during the month of November to celebrate the fall season together.
“I am looking forward to hosting Friendsgiving in two weeks,” said Sarah Crowder, a junior criminal justice major. “I am going to make chess bars, which are a gooey custard treat, and my friends are bringing classic Thanksgiving dishes.”
Reaghan Shehee | Digital Media Editor
Thanksgiving outdoor decor
ARTS & LIFE
WICKED MARKETING: HAS IT GONE TOO FAR?
Sydney Williams Asst. Arts & Life Editor
As “Wicked: For Good” prepares for its Nov. 21, 2025 release, the film’s marketing campaign has become nearly unavoidable. Limited-edition brand collaborations, themed products and constant online promotions have pushed the movie into the public eye long before it reaches theaters. Now, some fans are wondering whether the strategy is building excitement or overwhelming the audience.
Aerin Plotner, a senior marketing major, explained how the visibility of the campaign stands out, even when compared to other major film releases.
“I’ll admit that although I love all of the creative ideas with the products for the promotion of ‘Wicked: For Good,’ it’s a bit more than the typical movie,” Plotner said. “Which I don’t think is at all a bad thing; it’s just not what people are used to.”
Even with the large scale of the movie, Plotner believes the franchise is still trying to find a balance.
“I think they are balancing out the hype with the movie with the promotion,” she said. “It’s not all in your face on their media pages. Other brands are subtle with the release.”
Subtle or not, the push behind the film is hard to miss. The first “Wicked” movie, “Wicked: Part One,” was promoted through more than 200 brand partnerships, a number that surprised some viewers.
Maggie Howard, a senior psychology major, felt that the volume had crossed a line.
“That feels like overdoing it,” Howard said. “I understand wanting to
advertise everything, but stick to focusing on the movie and how exciting a musical that came out years ago is getting another chance to shine.”
However, Howard does not feel like the marketing has pushed her away from the sequel. If anything, it added to the anticipation.
“It makes me more excited to watch
cups have all taken on the franchise’s signature green and pink aesthetic.
Plotner said she appreciates strong marketing, but even she has noticed the campaign’s intensity.
“I’m a sucker for nicely done marketing and advertising tactics, but I will admit that some of the items coming out of this seem to be a lit-
the movie,” Howard said. “There’s such a cinematic experience waiting to happen with this release, and I’m living for it.”
Howard added that she plans to see the sequel in theaters after missing the chance with the first film. Wicked-themed products have become a regular sight for shoppers.
Dunkin’ drinks, Gain detergents scented after Glinda and Elphaba, R.E.M. Beauty palettes, Takis bags, Le Creuset cookware, Lush bath items, OWALA bottles and even Stanley
tle overboard,” Plotner said. “Going into Kroger, there’s a ‘Wicked’ promotional product in every aisle.”
Allyson Terlep, a senior accounting major, said frequent ads do not affect whether she wants to see a movie, but they do impact how she reacts to the campaign itself.
“I’ll get annoyed with excessive advertisements, but that doesn’t make me want to see what’s being promoted less,” Terlep said. “It just makes me want to see the advertisement less.”
She added that the high volume may have less to do with strategy and more to do with resources.
“I’ve seen a lot more about this movie than I have about other movies that have been coming out recently, but I think it could just be because this is already an established franchise with the finances to do it,” Terlep said.
Despite the extreme amount of Wicked promotional items, some students said the creativity of the collaborations is part of the fun. Plotner described the variety of partnerships across different price points as giving fans options.
“Having a balance of brands that are loud about collaborating, with different price points, makes it fun to decide what items you want to buy,” Plotner said. “But that’s just the shopaholic side of me speaking.”
For many students, the difference between effective marketing and overexposure comes down to originality. While the volume of collaborations has been noticeable, the campaign works best when it offers something fresh rather than relying on the same visuals or messaging across platforms.
Howard said she mostly wants to see new ideas rather than repetitive ads.
“If your advertising is a smart way, like using Chili’s to make a signature drink, it’s fun,” Howard said. “I feel like I only get annoyed when I see the same things over and over again.”
As the release date approaches, the marketing for “Wicked: For Good” has no plans of slowing down. Whether audiences see it as creative promotion or overdone may just come down to how many more Glinda-scented detergent bottles they encounter between now and opening night.
GCSU Leadership Program hosts Usery Forum
Emma Jow Contributing Writer
The Usery Forum on Leadership is a presentation series hosted by GCSU Leadership Programs, with the most recent forum taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 11, and hosting speaker Walter M. “Sonny” Deriso Jr., the Founding Chairman and Director of Atlantic Capital Bank and Atlantic Capital Bancshares.
In the forum, selected individuals who display expertise in leadership are invited to speak to GCSU students and foster a leadership-based conversation in pursuit of the GCSU Leadership mission: Leadership for the Public Good.
The series is named after W.J. Usery Jr., a Milledgeville-born politician who served as the 15th US Secretary of Labor and served under five presidential administrations. The forum is funded by his son and daughter, who are passionate about ensuring their father’s legacy inspires the next generation of young leaders.
Notably, Tuesday’s forum took place on Veterans Day, marking the anniversary of the end of World War I. Both the namesake W.J. Us-
ery Jr and the speaker, Walter M. “Sonny” Deriso Jr., are veterans, with their service playing a significant role in their leadership development.
At the beginning of the forum, Dr. Harold Mock, president of GCSU Leadership Programs, introduced Kassie Arps and Bridget Johnson, who are the recipients of the W.J. Usery, Jr. Fellowship, which recognizes exemplary student leaders. Arps then introduced Mr. Deriso to the stage, where he delved into a dialogue about his own leadership and how college-age students can become the best leaders possible.
Deriso’s primary philosophy is the concept of “principle leadership,” a personal code of conduct that he employs in all of his decision making. Principle leadership is allowing one’s morals to guide their leadership, and according to Deriso, the most important characteristics of a principle leader are “integrity, character and trust.”
As the chairman of a bank, Deriso has extensive experience with challenging situations, and stated that one of the most difficult aspects of his job is firing employees. He continued, however, that
good leaders develop good character by going through hard times and experiencing challenges.
Building on that idea, he continued that many young people don’t develop moral qualities that come from overcoming adversity because they choose to avoid difficult situations.
As an attempt to shield his own children from this, Deriso’s sons participate in baseball to ensure they experience the feeling of loss and hardship, thus building their perseverance and ability to stay true to their morals during difficult times.
“Smooth skills don’t make skillful sailors,” Deriso said. “And good judgment comes from experiences, which comes from bad judgment.”
In this, Deriso encourages young people to take risks, as it allows them to learn and grow, taking advantage of their youthful years to make meaningful mistakes that allow them to become better leaders in the future, when the environments have higher stakes.
After his speech, Jimmy Childre, President of Childre Ford, Inc., and Usery Fellow Bridget Johnson sat with Deriso on stage and began a Q&A segment. Students scanned a QR code to
submit questions for Deriso, further opening the conversation and encouraging an honest intergenerational dialogue.
First, Deriso responded to an anonymous question asking what advice he would give to his college-age self. In response, he stated that he would give him-
Next, Deriso answered a question asking what college students can do to improve their own leadership skills. He stated that students must always “raise their hands,” or volunteer for every opportunity that comes their way. This will build their ability to face a diverse array of situations.
Dash Poem” by Linda Ellis, which highlights the importance of taking advantage of every situation and living a fulfilling life. The Usery Forum is an important event to GCSU students, constantly striving to bring successful leaders close to aspiring leaders, bridging the gap between
self leadership advice.
“Good leaders provide people with self-worth,” Deriso said. “Achieve trust by constantly showing people you are worthy of their confidence.”
Finally, Deriso closed with the statement that as a leader, one must never lose their humility and must always live by their values. He concluded with a reading of “The
generations and allowing those with flourishing leadership experience to share their knowledge with the younger generation who are the future of leadership.
Julia Jensen | Art Director
Amelia McEwen | News Editor
The Caterwaul
CATERWAUL: a shrill howling or wailing noise like that of a cat; commonly associated with a bobcat
A message from the Colonnade staff
On behalf of The Colonnade staff we would like to present our newest submission column, “The Caterwaul.” This is an opportunity for students to share their poetry, flash fiction, photography, drawing, comic strips and more. We are extremely excited to give students more of a place in the paper and for their creativity to be acknowledged and published. We encourage any and all students to reach out and ask questions. In the spirit of GCSU’s mascot, Thunder, the name of this column takes inspiration from all that is a bobcat. Caterwauling is the noise bobcats make often, and that is what The Colonnade intends to do with this column: make noise with your voice.
A letter from the Editor in Chief
Dear reader,
Know that life has tumultuous twists and turns, but there is always a path present for you. Everything takes time, so remember to take time for yourself. Don’t be afraid to get out and try something new. You never know where that can lead you. New things lead to new paths, and although those paths come with twists and turns there is almost always something new waiting for you. In times where the twist become harsher and the world seems bleak, remember there is always something new headed your way. Don’t be afraid to embrace it.
Never before seen photos courtesy of our Digital
Media Editors
Bella McComis | Digital Media Editor
Bella McComis | Digital Media Editor
Reaghan Shehee | Digital Media Editor
Reaghan Shehee | Digital Media Editor
Bella McComis | Digital Media Editor
